$20m drug bust, 8kg meth nabbed in joint police operation

MORE than eight kilograms of methamphetamine has been seized by police in a joint operation between the Tasmanian and Queensland drug squads.

MORE than eight kilograms of methamphetamine has been seized by police in a joint operation between the Tasmanian and Queensland drug squads.

The Australian Crime Commission-led Eligo National Task Force (ACCENT) coordinated the operation which involved Tasmania Police, Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) in partnership with West Mercia Police (UK).

Tasmania Police and ACBPS officials intercepted two packages sent from the United Kingdom which contained approximately 4kg of amphetamines.

Two further packages totalling another 4kg were later intercepted in Queensland.

The drugs are believed to have an estimated street value of at least $20 million.

The packages have been tested and the amphetamine is a very high-grade and as such would have a high street value.

In Queensland 28-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were both arrested and charged by AFP and Queensland Police.

The men allegedly have links with the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Club.

In Tasmania, a 26-year-old man, also allegedly with links at the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Club has also been arrested and charged.

A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were also charged.

Police allege the seized packages were sent from the UK to Hobart, through an international parcel courier service.

Tasmania Police monitored the arrival of the packages and intercepted the drugs prior to their delivery.